Some Chicago artist become local via import. Eber Palomares migrated to Chicago from California in 2006 looking to complete his degree in fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Long past his graduation, Eber has found the Chicago vibes healthy for his art whether it is a biomorphic piece (yea, keep reading to get the definition of this), a painting, or some sort of audio recording inspired by the streets of the Chi. Be on the lookout for new works by Eber this summer.
Age: 28
Roots: Born in Los Angeles, California, parents are from El Salvador
Where do you live now: Chicago (Pilsen)
Where are you answering these questions from? An environment offering security and happiness a.k.a my bedroom
Day job: A little bar/restaurant called Skylark
Where you and what were were you doing 5 years ago? I was still living in California trying to find my place in the art world
Current obsessions/addictions: Bubble Bobble/Music
Guilty pleasure(s): Comic Books, anything with Superman, The Ultimate Immigrant
Recent musical discovery: The Mighty Hannibal: R&B/Soul/Funk
Movie that best represents your life: The Science of Sleep: The film is about a young man whose vivid dreams and imagination often interfere with his ability to interact with reality.
Last book you read: Push, a novel by Sapphire
Heroes (besides your parents)? Coleen Sterritt, Sculptor/Professor/Mother
Define your art? Biomorphic; Taken from nature. From the Greek meaning “structure based on life.” Forms related to life or living organisms. Shapes, which are irregular in form and resemble the freely developed curves found in organic life.
When did you start this type of work? It was in 2001, the first assignment at school: one material one process and the rest is history.
Why did you choose to share these specific pieces with Remezcla? I wanted to showcase a full body of work, balance. That I feel comfortable in any medium.
Why sculpture? I feel sculpture is an altered perception; it was my first real introduction into fine art.
Tells us about your choice of materials? Rubber, twine, felt, burlap, fiberglass, polyurethane foam, etc.; these materials are used to explore different ways of expressing form and content.
At what point is it weird shit or art? Can it be both? Art by definition is the creation of beautiful or thought-provoking works, “weird shit” is somewhere in the middle.
Whats the best compliment for your work? My professor once said, “I want to dig your brain out” after I had finished my first sculpture, till this day I see it as my green light to go explore, create.
Does all your work have a message? I believe it does but slight as to be difficult to detect at first glance, I want the viewer to investigate, to seek out his or her own definition/lesson.
How has Chicago influenced your work? Chicago’s music scene (House Music) and also the usual everyday sound of the city played a big role in my art. The city it creates a very unique/pleasing/stimulating effect, so I started working on sound projects. I worked on live recording of everyday sounds around (very much like John Cage’s work) the city using a data recorder; visually it creates images of movement. Chicago has this vibe, energy and a nightlife that speaks to me.
How is the Chicago art scene different than back home (LA/California)? I believe the youth in Los Angeles have more control of the art scene. From my experience, Chicago art is packaged, too commercial. Key factors that contribute and influence my work came from a very strong faculty and I just didn’t receive that here.
What other art forms influence your work? Street art, Graffiti (not everything belongs within a gallery space), Comic book art, I love the strong black outlines the way everything is contain, Video Games have really come a long way, the underground stuff looks amazing, like living breathing paintings, it’s very interactive.
Current projects? Works on paper, larger drawings
Plans for the future? Take over the world bomb it. (A graffiti term)